Gardening Tips

"Do Yourself A Favor - Arrange Some Flowers With Elise In Her Backyard. ❤️ 🌺”
- Emily Mortimer On Instagram

This was Emily's response after the wonderful New Yorker article by the incredible writer Michael Shulman came out 2 years ago.

I continue offering private classes in the backyard this summer and I need to keep my garden in good shape!

Here are some articles and sites I've found useful. In particular I've been fighting the scourge of Lantern flies (#$%^&*()_) and there are some non-toxic ideas listed below.

If you're thinking about flowers to add to your garden:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/28/realestate/clematis-flowers.html

 for expert advice on/purchase of clematis plants, reach out to
Dan Long at https://www.brushwoodnursery.com/

If you're having trouble with pests:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/21/realestate/sick-dying-plant-treatment

LANTERNFLY MAGAGEMENT AND PESTICIDE SAFETY

https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-guide

One for the DIY lovers 

https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-build-a-spotted-lanternfly-circle-trap

And two really simple "solutions"

Vinegar kills spotted lanternflies on contact. Although you can dilute apple cider or white household vinegar, it is more effective when you spray it raw, directly onto nymphs and adults. Only spray vinegar on/near weeds you do not care about, because vinegar may also harm the underlying plant.

I just tried Neem Oil mixed with a little dish soap (Dawn).  That seems to have helped a bit.  Will keep you posted...